This is what you need to make your own mask

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the country's leading infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, recommend that everyone cover their faces when they go out into the public. Seven states require residents to wear face masks when visiting essential businesses, such as grocery stores or the pharmacy, or when using public transportation. This recommendation changes as we learn more about the coronavirus, says Anna Torrens Armstrong, an assistant professor of public health education at the University of South Florida.

The general public is still advised not to buy or wear surgical masks or N95s, as these are rare and necessary for use by healthcare professionals, says Torrens Armstrong.

If you haven't already, you can start making your own masks. However, a cautionary note: "Wearing a mask is a layer of protection, but it is not 100% foolproof," says Torrens Armstrong. “Homemade masks limit the transmission of droplets when sneezing or talking, but not all. Some information has indicated that they can possibly filter around 50%, which is better than nothing. ”

The researcher warns people who make their own masks not to let their guard down when it comes to other transmission protections. "Some people can feel a sense of 'security' while wearing a mask and therefore relax their behaviors in a harmful way," she says. "You still need to keep an eye on what you touch, how close you are to others, take precautions when removing your mask and washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, and limiting travel."

Whether you know how to sew or not, making a protective mask is a project you can do with just a few materials that you probably already have around the house. CNN Health has already published a detailed guide, with great illustrations, on how to make your own mask, so we'll just touch on the essentials here for earloops on (https://www.testextextile.com/product/mask-earloops/) and help you find all the supplies you'll need, as well as some masks already made by others.

How to make a mask

First of all: if you don't know how to sew, don't worry. You can still make a mask, using some of the following elements:

• Bandana, T-shirt piece or square cotton fabric, approximately 20 inches by 20 inches

• Paper coffee filter

• Rubber bands or hair bands earloop

• Scissors

The recommended fabrics, says Torrens Armstrong, are “well-woven cotton. Think sheets, quilted fabrics. T-shirts or scarves would suffice if you don't have cotton sheets to spare. It must be breathable and comfortable on the skin - avoid any material that is not well woven, it would not be very effective”.